Sculpture Unveiling: Southern Beacon by Bill Cook Jr.
Southern Beacon, a seven-foot marble sculpture by Knoxville sculptor Bill Cook Jr., was unveiled in the Old Sevier neighborhood on May 21, 2026. Commissioned by homeowner Barry Crowder, the sculpture is part of SoKno Sculpt’s effort to create an open-air gallery of public art throughout South Knoxville.
Southern Beacon features a green marble disc mounted on a tapered white Turkish marble pedestal. One side features a hand-textured radiant pattern, while the other is highly polished to showcase the natural character of the stone.
The sculpture was the second SoKno Sculpt project created through matching funds provided to an Old Sevier homeowner by the Old Sevier Community Group using Community Improvement funds.
See our SoKno Sculpt Sculpture Tour Map.
Southern Beacon serves as a visual beacon, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate public art south of the Tennessee River. SoKno Sculpt and OSCG continue to support sculpture installations that contribute to an open-air gallery throughout the community.
Property owners in Old Sevier may apply for matching funds to commission sculpture for their property. Learn more about SoKno Sculpt grants.
About the Artist
Bill Cook Jr. grew up in the foothills of East Tennessee and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee in 1995. He is a member of SoKno Sculpt and works primarily in marble.
About the Commissioner
Barry Crowder, the homeowner who commissioned Southern Beacon, is a building contractor, ceramics artist, and musician. A Knoxville native and University of Tennessee graduate, he purchased the property in 1992.
Music
Palm Sol is a jazz duo featuring Lucas Alfaras on guitar and Charlie Satterwhite on saxophone and flute.